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DPChallenge Forums >> General Discussion >> Messenger Bag v traditional photography bag
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05/16/2014 12:06:28 PM · #1
Is a messenger bag better than a traditional photography bag? If you think it is, why? Heard that it's recommended (messenger bag) but don't know why.
05/16/2014 02:17:48 PM · #2
I use a Lowepro video backpack. It holds three or four lenses plus the body in the protected camera section. Then there is a padded pocked for my ipad and a little bag section where I keep my wallet and other misc. I love it so much that when the first one died I bought another one.
05/16/2014 02:34:10 PM · #3
The main reason for me would be ease of access. Messengers and slingbacks are really handy, because you don't have to take the bag off to get to your stuff. I've had a slingback in the past that I liked, but I didn't like the strap going across my chest (I have a couple large "obstacles"). I now have a messenger bag that I really like. I have a strong enough back that it doesn't pull me over. If I really needed to, I could sling it across my chest for better balance.
05/16/2014 04:00:40 PM · #4
Thanks. I'm going to check those out. I am currently using a Lowpro sling back and don't much like way it sits. I, too, have a couple of "obstacles" that can make it uncomfortable. I generally just throw it over one shoulder.
05/16/2014 04:37:29 PM · #5
God - the which bag is better discussion... I really wish I had a sensible answer other than all of them :-/. I use different bags for different types of trips. I love the messenger bags over the oldie style square things but sometimes as you wrestle bits out of them you can have second thoughts. I use crumpler ones but you just have to try them out and see which fits better.
05/17/2014 09:49:48 AM · #6
Which bags would be best for hiking and long trips?

I have a regular bag which I love and it carries everything.. but It is going to be a pain in the butt to hike with it..

Is there a certain brand that has more room than others?
05/17/2014 10:18:28 AM · #7
Originally posted by PuppyDogMom:

Is a messenger bag better than a traditional photography bag? If you think it is, why? Heard that it's recommended (messenger bag) but don't know why.

Everyone will have different opinions on this, but for me, messenger bags offer two benefits: They often don't specifically look like camera bags, so you're not advertising that you're carrying camera gear around (as much). Second, they provide easy access to whatever you need, as you can just slide it to your front and get into any pocket or compartment. This might also come in handy in tight crowds in odd places, when you don't want your gear somewhere behind you, accessible by others.

On the other hand, backpacks are a better option for hiking and longer days out, as the weight is distributed more evenly. They make plenty of combo bags that can act like a hybrid and offer the benefits of both.

If you're like anyone else, you'll end up with a dozen, and love/hate them all.
05/17/2014 10:36:19 AM · #8
I much prefer messenger bags, the only problem is that I've got far too many.
05/17/2014 10:48:25 AM · #9
I love messenger bags for general purpose use, carrying a laptop etc. Plus, they look cool.

The only exception is when travelling or going through airports; a backpack is much more comfortable to carry, easier to take stuff out of for security checks, and doesn't do that annoying thing where it slips off your shoulder and ends up around your ankles with the laptop clattering to the ground lol
05/17/2014 02:46:12 PM · #10
I always preferred messenger bags because of ease of access, until I started having back problems, and found that a good backpack is more comfortable for longer periods of time.

My recommendation...find an old school, bricks and mortar camera store. Take everything you intend to carry in the bag into the store and start stuffing it into bags and carrying them around the store. One will stand out, and it will probably be one that you never considered before.
05/18/2014 11:02:14 PM · #11
Originally posted by Ann:

I always preferred messenger bags because of ease of access, until I started having back problems, and found that a good backpack is more comfortable for longer periods of time.

My recommendation...find an old school, bricks and mortar camera store. Take everything you intend to carry in the bag into the store and start stuffing it into bags and carrying them around the store. One will stand out, and it will probably be one that you never considered before.


That was the best advise.. I went to my camera store this afternoon looking for a new bag.. I didn't care for the backpacks, but I did find a messenger bag I fell in LOVE with .. easy to access and I didn't have to put the bag down just to grab an extra battery or memory card, it stayed. It also had extra separation to where I could put my billfold and a few purse items and still had room for things I needed for my camera. the best part was, I wasn't really thinking about purchasing one because they were so expensive.. but they were 50% off and how can you not turn down that kind of a deal..

bohemka
On the other hand, backpacks are a better option for hiking and longer days out, as the weight is distributed more evenly. They make plenty of combo bags that can act like a hybrid and offer the benefits of both.
That is the kind I was able to get :-))
05/19/2014 01:54:02 AM · #12
Whatever you decide to get, don't forget to consider padding. It protects not only your camera and lenses but also whatever body part the bag bounces off of...
05/19/2014 08:23:57 AM · #13
on the same topic, what is your opinion about Case Logic KBP-101 and Lowepro Fastpack 350 Backpack?

I looked at both and it seems like both of them have enough space that I am looking for.
05/19/2014 08:41:48 AM · #14
I looked at that lo pro when I brought my bag, there is tons of space in them..I really wanted a lowepro myself but it was out of budget for me.

Case Logic They did have a few of those as well, but not that kind that you posted, but was way more expensive for me, I didn't care on how a few compartments were in them, the lowepro seemed to have things more organized layout matter.. plus the prices on case was double that of the lowepro..
If I had to choose between the two myself I would have gone with Lowepros..

The messenger bag I got yesterday I went with that because you cant beat $49.00 LOL
05/19/2014 09:08:43 AM · #15
I have used a traditional camera bag in conjunction with a padded hip belt for longer days/heavier loads. When hiking, the belt stays fastened and the load is on your hips, but when you need access, just unclip the belt and get what you need and re-clip the belt when you're ready to move again.
05/19/2014 09:59:03 AM · #16
Originally posted by Jules1x:

I use a Lowepro video backpack. It holds three or four lenses plus the body in the protected camera section. Then there is a padded pocked for my ipad and a little bag section where I keep my wallet and other misc. I love it so much that when the first one died I bought another one.


+1

I've had every type of bag. For traveling very light with a dSLR and an extra lens nothing beats the Tamrac Sling 6. I carry my D7100 + 18-200 + Sigma 10-20 and I can squeeze the 10mm fish in the pocket (that's a bit tight though).

For carrying the full frame D600 I use the Lowepro video backpack. I can even put the D7100 with a lens mounted in the extra compartment. Plus it can attach a tripod to the side as well (you give up the water bottle holder which is the base of the tripod holder).

You can access the camera and lenses without taking the bag off, just by sliding it off one shoulder and using the compartment access to open it like a sling. This is a good alternative to the backpacks that require you to remove it and open the back (or front). Less worry about picking up the bag and forgetting to zip it (which I saw a DPCer do once!) Yes, it can happen, but your lenses aren't as likely to fall out due to the way it opens.

It is pretty comfortable, though it doesn't have lots of padding for comfort.

Some of the other backpacks with sling type access are comparable or possibly better too.
05/19/2014 10:06:48 AM · #17
My favorite bag is actually a Nikon branded bag from the early 90's that's just a square padded bag with a handle on top. It holds a body and three lenses, and is completely useless for walking around, but it sits flat in the back of the car with the opening on the top. It is perfect for staging a shoot from the car.

I don't usually bring more than one lens when I'm walking around anymore. At most I have the D800 with one lens, then the RX100 stuffed into a pocket somewhere.
05/19/2014 10:59:22 AM · #18
I love my sling! Its so easy and convenient when I am in the car and hopping out at lunch for a quick walk and photos. Then I love my backpack when I am out for a hike or longer distances on the weekends, weight is distributed better.
05/19/2014 01:36:23 PM · #19
I just purchased this bag from Brenthaven. It is absolutely perfect for me. It easily carries my camera with lens attached plus additional lens, or 2nd, smaller, camera. It is a shoulder bag, with a waist attachment available as necessary. Very padded. Tons of pockets. I bought it at a camera show for a much lower price than the price on the website.
05/20/2014 12:57:41 AM · #20
I know you've already bought your bag, but at the end of the day, a backpack will be more stable for heavy loads over distance/time. There's a time and a place for both, and I use both a heavy messenger and a heavy backpack often (more often by a longshot the backpack, due to the nature of my photography, however). The feasibility of different bags really depends upon your gear, as well. I've got a small Lowepro Slingshot, and while it's a nice bag, it's worthless if I use my typical setup of my d300+28-70, let alone a separate lens and a flash.
05/20/2014 10:24:09 AM · #21
Originally posted by spiritualspatula:

I l. I've got a small Lowepro Slingshot, and while it's a nice bag, it's worthless if I use my typical setup of my d300+28-70, let alone a separate lens and a flash.


I've got this bag as well and really like it, but it sure doesn't allow for a lot of equipment. Thus, my question about messenger bags. Decided to get one. Now I'll have more than one bag, like most photographers!
05/20/2014 12:22:44 PM · #22
I have the Kata 3-in-1 and it honestly does all I could need. Well made, great cushioning and plenty of storage. Quick and easy access too!
05/20/2014 01:55:26 PM · #23
I'm curious if you really meant "messenger bag" in this thread, or shoulder bag? To me at least, messenger bags are a specific subtype of shoulder bag. Just curious because I really couldn't see a messenger bag being much use for anything but a very small kit, whereas a shoulder bag could hold quite a bit.
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